In a speech at the 140th
founding anniversary of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc.,
President Rodrigo Duterte said he would not have declared martial law if
terrorist were the only ones who attacked Marawi City.

President Duterte said he had to sign
Proclamation No. 216 declaring martial law in Mindanao while he was on an
official trip in Russia after being the situation in Marawi City was critical.

“Nung sinabi sa akin ng mga military
kasama ko na the situation is critical because they were attacking also
civilians, I had to sign a declaration dated on the day but I signed it in
Moscov – singed in Moscov Russia. So that was the truth, I was there. But I sent
the electronic copy of my declaration forthwith, so napadala ko,” The President
said.

Duterte said he was alarmed when the
presence of foreign fighters in Marawi City was confirmed.

“Marawi was attacked by the ISIS
together with the terrorists, mostly foreigners yung nasa forefront and they
were the kuwaitis who were – parang puti yan eh.” Duterte said.

“Nung sabi ko ilan? Sabi ko, ito nay
un kay kung terorista lang na local, I wouldn’t have declared martial law, but
since they were already coming here because of their dream to establish a
caliphate, a kingdom in Southeast Asia, sabi ko, Delikado ito,” The President
added.

Duterte vowed to solve "all the
problems that ails Mindanao" during the length of martial law there. But
doubts have also been raised on whether state actors can suppress Maute or the
ISIS threat within 60 days.